Frequently Asked Questions

How did you come up with this idea?
When did you start this project?
Who worked on this?
What do you do when you aren't working on your art truck?
Where is the art truck now?
Where do you get the items on the truck from?
What do you use to stick things on? Superglue?
Do you know of other art trucks or cars in the area?
Why Dada Sin? What is Dada?
What kind of drugs do you do?
Are you crazy?
What kind of reaction do you get from people who see your truck?
Do you accept donations?
Do you plan to create more art cars?

How did you come up with this idea?
I thought the making of an art vehicle as a class project could be a great way to explore the notions of art and community- art as a very public mobile experience. I felt that if I could teach the students in the class that art is part of our everyday existence, they could understand that art can be created on anything. I was inspired by the art vehicles I saw on Harrod Blank's Wild Wheels video and also local art cars by Susan Musgrave and Michelle Gypsy Mermaid.

When did you start this project?
The project started in September of 2000.

Who worked on this?
The Arts 109 class at Malaspina University-College (2000) began the art truck. They sanded down the vehicle, painted, and collected many objects that are found on the vehicle.

With the help of friends (namely Paula Wirth) I have added other elements to the vehicle. It just continues to grow.

What do you do when you aren't working on your art truck?
I teach fine art at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo, B.C. I also continue to develop my own art practice in printmaking, drawing, painting, and installation. I also take long walks with my fox terrier dog Harley.

Where is the art truck now?
The truck is resting quietly in its covered parking spot. I drive it everywhere.

Where do you get the items on the truck from?
Pretty well from everywhere. The Value Village, the Salvation Army, garage sales, things found on the road. Friends (and strangers) also give me stuff to glue on. Thanks Paula, Amber, and Dusty!

What do you use to stick things on? Superglue?
I use 100% silicone sealant. I also use Liquid nails.

Do you know of other art trucks or cars in the area?
I think Dada Sin is the only local art truck in Nanaimo. However I did spot a pretty cool art truck the other day here. I think Susan Musgrave's car "Toy Karma" is the one I know the best here on Vancouver Island. I'm sure there are more around.

Why Dada Sin? What is Dada?
Dada ( French for Hobby Horse ) was a nihilistic art movement that flourished in Zurich, New York, Berlin, Paris, Cologne, and Hanover. Hugo Ball ( you never know I might be somehow related ) apparently chose the name randomly out of a dictionary in 1916 one evening at the famous Cabaret Voltaire gatherings. Dada groups created anti-aesthetic creations and organized protests which critiqued bourgeoisie values and the horrors and stupidity of World War 1. My friend Paula Wirth selected the name Dada Sin for the art truck- partly a subversive play on the automobile make Datsun and also because we feel that the truck is true to the spirit of the Dada movement.

What kind of drugs do you do?
I do LSD and on days that I need a little extra boost, Crack Cocaine. ;-)

Are you crazy?
So far I have not been clinically tested, but I think the answer is "Yes."

What kind of reaction do you get from people who see your truck?
I get all sorts of reactions. From the down right heartfelt to the downright perplexed. Generally children and the young at heart love the truck. Because Nanaimo has a strong truck culture there are those individuals (usually guys in great big trucks) who feel insecure around Dada Sin.

Do you accept donations?
Yes, Certainly. I accept almost anything. Plastic toys, etc...

Do you plan to create more art cars?
At this point one Dada Sin is enough, but you never know.